1 Peter 4:7-19

Christian Standard Bible

End-Time Ethics

⁷ The end of all things is near;^(A) therefore, be alert and sober-minded^(B) for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love^(C) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^{[a](D) 9} Be hospitable^(E) to one another without complaining. ¹⁰ Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,^(F) as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,^(G) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Christian Suffering

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.^{(H) 13} Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ,^(I) so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.^{(J) 14} If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,^(K) you are blessed, because the Spirit^(L) of glory and of God^[b] rests on you. ¹⁵ Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.^{[c] 16} But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.^{[d] 17} For the time has come for judgment^(M) to begin with God’s household,^(N) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

¹⁹ So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves^(P) to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.